Hunting for Horcruxes

Chapter Two

A few hours later, the Hogwarts Express pulled into Platform Nine and Three-Quarters at King's Cross. All the students, now dressed in street clothes filed out of the bus to meet their families, most who had Apparated from Hogsmeade after the funeral. In their compartment, the 6 friends were just sitting there, waiting for the hallways to clear out. Harry, Ron, and Hermione stood up, ready to leave on their next adventure

“Hey guys,” Harry started. Neville, Ginny, and Luna looked at him,”You know we...I appreciate all the help you've been, and we need your help now. Hermione, Ron, and I are going away for a while,” Ginny and Neville opened their mouths to protest, but Harry held up a hand.

“Guys, this is really important. I know all of you can hold your own out in the world and all, but this is special. We can't tell you where we're going, or when we'll get back, but it will be dangerous. We'll send owls when we can, but don't expect anything. We just thought we should tell you because we trust you. If you could just carry this message to our families, and yours, if you'd like, we'd appreciate that,” Harry looked at the three, stunned by his words. His speech had been off the top of his head (Actually, of the top of MY head, but you get it, right?), so it might've sounded rushed and repetitive, but the main message was there were leaving, and there was nothing anyone could do to change their minds.

Hermione hugged all three of their friends, Ron shook their hands, and then they left. Ron had left the two letters he had finished with Luna and Ginny, who were reading them intently. Harry shook hands with Neville.

“Good luck, `Arry.” Then Harry hugged Luna.

“Watch out for Crumple Horned Snorcacks. It's their mating season, so they'll be all over Britain.” Finally, Harry turned to Ginny, who still looked uneasy, but there was a fierce look in her eyes. She hugged him tight.

“Take care of my brother. I...lo....good luck,” Ginny stuttered, the words forming in her mouth too hurtful. Harry nodded and kissed her cheek.

“Watch over your mum. She'll be furious,” he whispered in her ear. She managed a tiny smile, then left. Harry looked around. The compartment was empty. He walked out to meet Ron and `Mione. They all headed for the back of the train, which was now empty.

There was an emergency Portkey station for...emergencies, obviously. Each one had the same location: The Leaky Cauldron, the barrier between the Muggle and Wizarding worlds. With a look of determination, the three friends touched the newspaper, and then were tugged by an invisible string around their navels.

When the dizziness subsided, the trio looked around the alley behind The Leaky Cauldron. Harry jumped up and brushed himself off, before helping Hermione up. Ron, seeking the same courtesy but finding none, helped himself up, before walking towards the brick wall that was the entrance to Diagon Alley. Harry put a hand on his shoulder.

“No,” his friend said firmly. Ron turned to him, an unreadable look on his face.

“No? What do you mean?”

“I mean no. When your mum gets word of this, this will be the first place she looks. All the Portkeys come here, so it's only a matter of time. No, we go to muggle London. We have to get to my uncle's house, remember?” Ron nodded. Hermione linked her arms through Harry and Ron's.

“Let's go. There are taxis out front,” sure enough, there was a row of taxis out front. The trio got into one.

“Little Whinging, Surrey, please,” Harry said. The driver took off without a word. There was silence until they reached their destination.

“How are we going to pay the driver? In Galleons?” Asked Ron. Harry pulled out a roll of money.

“Gringotts has a conversion booth,” he answered. Harry tossed a few bills at the driver, and then got out. His uncle's house was a few blocks away. They started walking in silence. The door to Number Four, Privet Drive was quiet as Hermione knocked on the door. Dudley Dursley answered, and when he saw Hermione, his gaze traveled all over.

“H....Hi. I'm Dudders, I mean Dudley Dursley. Who are you?” Hermione smiled seductively as Harry and Ron stared from behind bushes.

“Hi Dudley. I'm Hermione Granger...” she whipped out her wand, an instrument Dudley was familiar with. Said pervert was instinctively rubbing the place where a pig's tail had protruded from 6 years previously,”...and if you try anything, I'll make sure you fully turn into a pig, you perv.”

Dudley ran into the house. Hermione sent the all clear, and then the trio walked into the sitting room, where the whole Dursley family now was. Vernon Dursley stood up, purple-faced.

“What is the meaning of this? I demand an explanation...the nerve of these freaks coming into my home...” Vernon Dursley continued to talk, but no sound came out of his mouth. Hermione stood there smiling.

“Sit down, Mr. Dursley, lest I cast another spell,” she warned. Vernon sat down and huffed silently. Petunia Dursley stood up, pointing her finger at Hermione.

“You can't do that!!! Lily and that crackpot Dumbledore said wizards have to be 17 to use magic in public...”

“And I'm saying I turned 17 last September,” Hermione replied,” Now, Mrs. Dursley please sit down.” Hermione turned to Harry.” It's your show now.”

Back at King's Cross

Ginny, Neville, and Luna were the last people off the train. Neville's face was blank, Ginny looked lost, and Luna, oddly enough, seemed positively giddy. The Weasleys, Neville's grandmother, and Mr. Lovegood were on the platform, waiting. The first thing everyone noticed was the looks on their children's faces. The second thing was the letters in Luna's and Ginny's hand. Mrs. Weasley ran up to Ginny, after searching for the missing trio.

“Where. Are. They.” Mrs. Weasley demanded of her daughter. Ginny shakily held out the letter Ron had handed to her. Mrs. Weasley snatched it and began reading it.

Dear Mum and everyone else,

I'm guessing you've noticed that Harry, Hermione, and I aren't there. Don't be too hard on Ginny and them, Mum. They don't know anything. If they did, they'd have brought us to you bound and gagged.

We're on a mission: one that will defeat Voldemort. The night Dumbledore died, he and Harry had started this mission. Now it's up to us to complete it. I'm bloody scared, but I know it's the right thing to do. We all know it's the right thing to do.

I don't know when we'll be back; I don't know where we're going either. Don't expect any owls from us; it'll be too dangerous. We can't include the Order in this because, no offense mum, but you guys have no idea what to do now that Dumbledore's gone. I love you, and I hope you're not too mad at me.

Love, Ronald

P.S.- Tell the twins to make 10 cases of Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder, 20 cases of Decoy Detonators, and 6 each of their Shield Hats, Cloaks, and Gloves. If they could make them with dragon skin, we'll pay extra. Send an owl so we can give you the drop off location.

Mrs. Weasley ripped off the section with the order and handed it to the twins, who had been reading over her shoulders.

“Get started on these boys. I want my boys and Hermione to be safe.” Fred and George saluted her, then Apparated to their shop to get started. After that, everyone started to leave, except Luna. Mr. Lovegood had gone to get their muggle car. The odd girl kept staring at the letter Ronald had given her. A small, dreamy smile graced her features as she reread it.

My Dearest Luna,

I know this is a weird situation. All I've ever done to you is tease you and put you down, when all you've been is nice and helpful, even if you are a bit odd....Anyway, I want to apologize to you. I really have appreciated all you've done for me.

Now, for the hard part. As I sit here listening to you hum “Weasley is Our King”, I can't help but feel all fuzzy inside. It's things like this that draw me to you.

If this is too unlike me of an explanation, I'll make it easier: I fancy you. A lot. I have ever since my fifth year, when you wore that lion hat. I couldn't help but think how great you were, wearing that hat to support us...me.

I know it seems like I fancied Hermione this year, but that's a load of rubbish. We talked about it, and we both realized that we are more brother and sister than boyfriend and girlfriend. Knowing we both fancy another also helped. I know Harry will say no owling, but I'll do my best to communicate with you. Stay safe, and please wait for me.

Love, Ronald

Luna's eyes sparkled with tears as she put the letter safely in her pocket and walked out to where her father was waiting in the car. Mr. Lovegood noticed her tears and asked,

“What happened, Luna? What were you doing?” Luna looked up at him, and smiled a smile that reached her eyes.

“Nothing father. Just waiting,” but Luna never said who or what she was waiting for.

Argh....so much writing. It kind of hurts. I'm gonna go play The Sims 2 now, and work on an album for Nonnie190. The Dursleys seem scared, huh? Well, this King's Cross bit was part filler, part plot. I like the Luna Letter. A bit unlike Ron, but that's the point. I think Ginny's goodbye explains why she was so close to Harry, but no matter. She'll have another romance soon enough. Hermione was a bit OOC in this chap, but that'll be explained later (girls can leave guesses in reviews.....uh oh, too big a hint *wink*). Next chap:

• The first appearance of Draco Malfoy...at The Burrow?!?!?

• We head to Godric Hollow

• Lil' bit of Luna....being un-Lunaish

• Mrs. Weasley loses it

Maybe I should start those chores my mom gave me....nah....

Luv, Sage